Machine for attaching keys to can tops



Oct. 25, 1932. H. HERMANI MACHINE FOR ATTAGHING KEYS'TOCAN TOPS Filed Aug. 14. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet l NN WN N mw mi 1 i N n m M. cr* No* ww Nm u QQ. 8 w kal@ .NN mw .Nw 1 Nm W o.. W R m 9N QQ G Q im f ll, w a@ 1, QN QN wm m, Nw NN Nw am QN. mw K ad N IN VEN TOR, `//6fy /Vtrmazza I A T 1 RNEYS.

Oct. 25, 1932. H, HERMAN) 1,884-,83

MACHINE FOR ATTACHING KEYS TO CAN TOPS Filed Aug. 14, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l Oct. 25, 1932. H, HERMAN 1,884,683

MACHINE FOR ATTACHING KEYS T0 CAN TOPS l Oct. z5, 1932.'

lH. HERMANI MACHINE FOR ATTACHING KEYS TO GAN TOPS Filed Aug. 14. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Illll IN V EN TOR. /effr'z/ lar/nain ORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 25, 1932 UNrrEDv STATES PATENT OFFICE HENRY HERMANI, 0I' BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOB, BY IIESNE ASSIGNHENTS, TO AMERICAN CAN GOHPANY, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y., .A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY MACHINE FOB ATTACHING KEYS TO CAN TOPS Application nled August 14, 1928. Serial lo. 299,537.

This invention is an improvement in machines for attaching keys to can tops, andl sirable that a key for removing the rip strip ortearing stripfbe attached to the can, in such a manner as to be easily detached therefrom when desired for use, but so held that there is little or no liability of accidental l displacement. A preferred method of connecting the keys is set forth in the above mentioned application, wherein the key, has an auxiliary'or rivet receiving opening, and a cold rivet headed above the key is formed in the opening, and afterwards soldered to the can top. l

One of the primary objects of the present invention is the provision of a machine for'4 automatically carrying out the process above mentioned, wherein the can tops are fed to an intermittently rotating turret, and are 'clamped thereto by clamps having` openings 'forv receiving .the keys and through which the keys may be fed into position on the can top. Another object is the provision in such mechanism of means for placing balls of cold solder in the auxiliary openings of the keys supported by thepclamps, and for simultaneou'sly formingthe balls into headed rivets.

Another object is the provision of mechanism automatically operated for soldering the preformed rivet to the can top.

Another object is the provision of a machine of-simple construction, wherein all of ous changes in the form, proportion, size and v minor details of construction within the scope of the claims, may be resorted to without dey parting fromthe spirit of the invention.

In the drawings forming apart hereof pended hereto, it being understood that vari-V Fig. 1 is a longitudinal vertical section of -the improved machine.

Fig. 2 is a plan view.

Figs. 3 and 5 are sections on the lines 3-3 and 5--5 of Fig. 2. t' Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view at the delivery end of the ball feeder.- v

Fig. 7 is a similar detail of the soldering mechanism. i

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a part of the completed can top.

In the present embodiment ofthe invention a suitable frame 1 is provided, in which is mounted a motor 2 for driving the machine, J and the motor shaft 3, which is horizontal, is connected by suitable gearing in a casing 4 with a shaft 5 journaled in vertical position in the frame.

A turret shaft 6 is also journaled in the frame in. vertical position, and it is connected to the shaft 5 by means of, a gear 7 on the shaft 6, and an inter-meshing pinion 8 on the shaft 5. The turret is driven intermittently or step by step, throu h the gears 7 8. 7l Somewhat more than hal of the periphery of the gear 8 is plain or untoothed, and the gear 7 has plain. peripheral portions for engagement by the plain portion of the gear 8, so that when said plain portions of the two gears are in engagement there will be no motion of the turret. `When the toothed portion of the gear 8 meshes with a toothed portion of the gear 7 lthe turret will be moved one step. This is the equivalent of the well known Geneva sto motion. It will be noticed referring to ig. 1 that the turret 6a has a hub 6b which is journaled on the shaft 6, the said shaft being fixed.

The turret 6a carries a number of forms 9, each of which is substantially trapezoidal in shape, and each of these forms has an opening 10, and an annular marginal shoulderll encirclesv each opening, the shoulder being depressed below the top of the form as shown. That is', the upper end of each opening is reamed, and the openings are circular and shaped to receive a can top.

The turret preferabl hasga can-end feedt ing station I, a keyceding station II, a 10 'solder-feeding station III, al welding station IV, and a can-end discharge station V (Fig. 2).

f The can tops indicated at 12 in. Fig. 8 are arranged -in superposed relation in a magazine, the magazine in thefpresent, instance consisting of 'a base 13 vwhich is securedto an extension 14 from a' table 15 which partialliy encircles the turret, and four rods 16 e'xten ing upwardly' from'the base." The tops are arranged the magazine. in 'superposed regonnaled in the frame. The gear 22 meshes with agean- 24l journaled loosely on the shaft 6, and meshing .with argear 25on the shaft 5. Thus the .disk is. rotated continuously and once, during each complete rotation the pushaber 17 is moved toward the turret and pushes out the lowermostcan top-into thel adjacent form or turret holder or pocket 9, coming to` resten y the shoulder 11.

The tops-are held in the forms by means maof hinged leaves 26,v one' of which is provided for Aeach form; The leaves are hinged to the innenedges of theE forms as indicated at. 27, and a roller V28 is j]'ourn aled on each leaf, the axis of the roller being vertical when the leaf ggis in holding-position, and horizontal when the leaf is inV open. or-inoperati'e -position, as shown inlFg.- 1. f All of the rollers run on anV annular cam-29,.whichis supported by the shaft 6 .1hefore mentioned, and it will be o noticed ,referring to Figs. 1 and 2 that the rollersgrunipartlyupon the upper vface ofl theeamwandpartly on the peripheral surface thereof. As the holders move away fnointhe vstationI, atlwhichstation they re- Qgzeive the .c an tops, the .rollers 28 ymove from the uppersurface ofthecam to the peripheral edge thereof, as clearly shown in Fig. 2,

- and the. hingeleafis thrown down upon the can top. in the holder. -This occurs immedi- .ately after theJ holder leaves station I. Eventually through the stepby step motion Ithe holders reach station QII, at which point the keys., are placed on the can tops. Referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that aeach.. of.the;leaves26 has an opening 27a, of

thesshapeofz 4the key 28a which is to. be appliedto .the'can top,`.the 'opening being of a shape such that when the key is placed in the opening itwvillzbe held in 'a .definite positionmswithgrespectto 'thelcan top The key placing' mechanism ,iss'hownt more particularly in Fig. 3; and itwill be seen referring to this ligure, that the keys28a are arranged in a magazine 29,-similar to the magazine 13-16 wf'for thecan tops,the keys being arranged in' superposed position. When a holder comes to a stop at station II, the o ning 27 a in the hinge leaf is in registerwit the opening of the magazine 29, which opening is shaped to correspond with the shape of thekey, Figs. 3 and 4.

The keys vare iipporteglin the/magazine and the lowermost is separatedl 'from the superincumbent keys by a pair of connected blades 30 and 531,' arranged to move'ftran's-L' verselyof the .lower end: of the magazine.` The blade 31 normally supports the pile of keys, as'- shown in Fig.' 4. When a holder with a leaf 26 is in register with the magazine at station' II, the blades are shifted from the position of Fig.,4, both-blades moving t the left of this figure.

The adjacent .ends of the blades overlap, so that before blade 31 is disengaged from the keys, blade 30- will be engaged there-. y with. -As the blades move to theleft of Fig. 4, the blade 30 is inserted between the lowermost key and those, above, while at the same time the blade 31 iswithdrawn from' beneath the lowermost key.- Thus the lowerm'ost key is permitted'to fallintotlie v.opening 27a of the adjacent leaf 26.

The blades are connected to the ends of a' rocker .32 .which is secured Aintermediate its ends on a rock shaft 33, jcurna'led in a bear- 9% ing sleeve 34 supported by the table 15. A link 35 connects a radial arm 36 on the lowerend of the shaft 33 with a similar arm 37V on the lower end of a stub shaft 38 also jour'- naled in the frame. fork 39, which extends above a disk 40 on a vertical shaft 41 journaled in the frame, and connected by a gearing `42 with the shaft 5. A Aroller 43 eccentrically .placed on the upperl face of theA disk 40 .engages between the arms 4of the fork, and `rocks. the vstub shaft, andthe rock shaft vonce during each rotation ofthe shaft 41. Thus the blades 30 -and 31 .are swung from the right of Fig 4 to the left and' reversely for each rotatlon of the shaft 41, to release a key as eachholder comes into position at station II.

At station III, a ball of cold solder is fed into an auXliaryor'rVet receiving opening in the key 28a. The mechanism for feeding the ball is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. .The balls indicated at 43 are arrangedin a magazine 44 having a bottom outlet 45, toward which the bottom of the magazine inclines in all directions. A' feed plate 46 is'arranged to move between the bottom of thema'gazine and a plate 47 which has an o ening, registering with the upper end o a chutel 48 delivering into the reduced outlet- 49 of a sleeve 50 supported at the inner side of the magazine. The slide 46 has an openingfor receiving a single ball, and this opening is adapted to register with the outlet 45 of the A magazine and with the opening through the plate 47 'n alternation. AIt is normally 13F.

las

pressed into position to register with the chute 48 by means of a coil spring 51,arranged between the plate 47 and the slide, and acting normally to vmove the'slideaway from the-turret. f j

The magazine, the slide 46, and the lined plate 47 are mounted in a support 52, which is vertically reciprocable in a superstructure 53 onl the frame, and the sleeve 50 before mentioned is also supported by the frame 52, 4being held in bearing sleeves 54 thereon by means of a set screw 55. The superstructure has aslot in its outer wall, and a cam bar 56 is secured to the superstructure, the lower -end of the cam barextending through the slot as shown in Fig. 5, and in position to be engaged by a roller 57 on the outer end ,of the slide 46. The lower end of the cam bar 56 is olset inwardly so that it extends through the slot, and as the frame 52 moves upward, the roller moving on the inner face of the cam bar enables the slide to be moved outward by the spring 51, until the opening of the slide registers with the top of the chute 48,`thus feeding a ball of solder through the chute. When the frame 52 moves downward, the slide is moved inwardly to bring the feed opening thereof into register/ with -the discharge of the The frame 52 is operated by means of a cam 58 on a shaft 59 journaled in a bearing- 60 on the frame, and having a miter gear connection 61 with the shaft 5. A follower 62 is connected with they fra-me 52, and the follower has aI roller 63 journaled thereon, which runs in a face groove 64 in the cam 58. The follower is guided by a screw 65 passing through a slot 66a in the lower end of the follower, andengaging the end of the shaft.

The sleeve 50 moves with the frame 52, as does also the chute 48 and associated parts. i@ plunger 66 is arranged in the sleeve 50, and at its lower end the plunger-carries a rivet forming punch 67, fitting the reduced lower end of thel bore of the sleeve, into which the chute 48 opens. The punch 67,

which has a threaded connection with the plunger, is normally in a position to close the lower end of the chute 48. It is normal' ly biased away from this position by a spring 68 arranged in the bore of the sleeve between n the sleeve and the plunger. The movement 55' of the plunger under the influence of the spring is limited by a set screw 69 threaded through the upper bearing 54, the inner plain, end t ereof moving in a vertical slot in the plunger. The upper end of the plunger is provided with a roller 70, against which bears lthe free end of an arm 71, pivoted at 72 to abracket 73 on the superstructure 53. Intermediate its ends the arm 71 is connected by a link 74 with the frame 52, the connection tion as shown in Fig. 5. The arm normally holds the plunger in the position of Fig. 5. When the frame 52 is moved-.upward, an amplified movement is imparted to the free end of the arm 71, which enables the roller and the plunger to `move upward under the influence of the spring 68, and the punch 49 is moved from in front of the opening of the chute 48 lenabling a ball to drop down upon a leaf spring 75 secured to the lower end of the sleeve by a screw 76, the free end of the spring extending into the lbore of the sleeve in position to intercept and support the ball 43 which has dropped from the chute 48.

When the frame 52 again moves downward, the ball is forced past the spring by the punch 49, and forced into the auxiliary opening of,

the key. The lower end of the punch is concave to form a head on the rivet. Counter pressure on the underside of the can top is provided for by an anvil 75a, which has threaded engagement with the frame as shown. The engaging tip of the anvil isfof considerably greater diameter than the lower. end of the punch and provides ePicient counter pressure during the formation of the rivet. The ball of solder is of a size such that the auxiliary opening 83 of the key is completely filled, and a suitable head is formed above the key.

The` holder now moves to station IV, where the formed rivet is connected to the can top. The Welding machine 81, shown in Figs. 1 and 2,.is of known construction, including an upper electrode 77, and a lower electrode 78. These electrodes are supported by rarms 79 and 80 respectively. which are connected with the machine 81. The arm 79 is swingably mounted as shown, and the arm 80 is adjusted with respect to the arm 79, on a supporting rod 82. The arm 79 is raised and lowered by Suitable mechanism, forming no part of the present invention, and hence not more fully described, so that the upper electrode 77 is moved into and out of contact with the can top in'therespective holders, as they come into position at'station IV. The lower end of theelectr'ode 77 is shaped to fit the rivet head. The lower end of the rivet is in conta-ct i with the can top 12, so that the heated electrodes will cause the rivet to be connected to the can top.

lOG

'The riveting-and Welding mechanism is operated by a lever 84, usually a treadle, but in the present instance operated by fluid pressure., The lower end of a piston 85 is pivot-ed to the lever, the piston moving in a cylinder 86 which is supported by th-e welding'machine 81. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder from a suitable sourceof supply, and the sup-ply is controlled by a valve 87. An arm 88 is connected with the stem of the valve, and the arm is connected to a slide 89, mov- 65 being a lost motion or pin and slot connecable in lthe frame 1. The inner end of the -onthe can top in the adjacent holder, fuse the rivet', thereby soldering it to the can top.

As each holder moves from station IV, the

I hingeleaf 26 begins tomove toraised position, the roller 28 ofthe leaf moving from the peripheral surface of the cam l29 onto the upper edge thereof, and at station V, the leaf is fully lifted, (Fig. 2) and remains so until it has passed station I. This lifting of the leafl may be accomplished by cam or spring means f rotatin turret having a plurality ofholders, for hol ing can tops with both' faces exposed,

(not shown) or in any suitable manner.

The operation of the machine is as follows. With the turret rotatingr intermittently, as each turret holder or pocket comes into pesition at station IYthe hinge leaf of the holder being elevated as shown, a can top is fed lnto the holder. During the succeeding movement of the turret the leaf is swung down onto. the cam into the holder, vand a can top is fed into the succeeding holder.. Eventually the holder with the first can top reaches station II, and a key is dropped through the opening of the leaf onto the can top, the key dropping mechanism and the leaf coooperating to position the key with respect to the can to Another movement of the turret brings t e top with the key in place to station III, where a solder shot or other suitable fusible material is fed into the auxiliary opening of the key, and formed cold into a headed rivet. The succeeding movement of the turret brings the top into station IV, where the rivet is spot vwelded or fused to the can top. Further movement of the turret brings the completed top with the fused connection cooled to station V, where the top is discharged, the discharging mechanism which forms no` part of the present invention, including a turret 100, journaled on the shaft 101, and having means indicated at 102 for removing the cans fromthe holders. The elements 102 are magnets, which remove the tops from the turret.

It is thought that the invention and many, of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be ap arent that various changes may be made in t e form, construction and arrange.- ment of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

What is claimed as new is 1. In a machine of the class described, a rotating turret having a plurality of holders for 4holding can tops with both faces exposed,

Imeans to'insert tops into the holders, means -2. In a machine of the dass described, af" rotatin turret having a'plurralit of holders for ho ding can tops with bot faces exposed, means to feed can topsto the holders,- means to deposit keys thereon in a 'prede-l termined position with respect to thetops,v means to deposit a soldershot on each key. and to form it into'a rivet, means to spot weld the rivet to the top, and a common means 'to f,

and to'ope'rateall of rotate the turret means in sequence.

3. In a machine of the class va means to feed can tops to the holders,lllezmln'i'f 'to deposit keys thereon in 'a predetermined;

position withl respect to the tops, means to.l 'Y

deposit a solder shot on each key and to form it into a rivet, neans to spot weld the rivet to the top, a `common means to rotate the turf-" ret and to operate all' of saidmeansliu se.- quence, and a connection between said com-..

mon means and the -turret to imparttothe turret a step by step movement;

4. In a machine of the classdescribed-a rotating turret having a plurality of'holders r for holding can to s with b othf facesfex...

posed, means to fee can tops tothe holders, i, means to deposit keys thereon in 'a prede!-i termined positionrwith respect to the tops means to deposit a.-solder .shot vo n 'each-,key t.; and to form it into arivet, means tos'pot weld' the rivet to the top, a common means tov rotate the turret and to operate all of said means in; sequence, and means operated by the 'move` ment of theV turret for opening and closing the holding mechanisms.

5. In a machine ofthe class describedru 'n.f

rotating turret having a plurality: .0f hold-.

ers for holding can tops 'with-{both' faces; exposed, means to insert tops in tothe holders, means to deposit a key having an auxiliary f opening for a rivet on each top, means to pre# weld the rivet to the top, alcmmonme1ans to rotate the turretandto operate all o fsaid means in sequence, the key depositing'means including a magazine'. having a bottomdis-a charge opening, and means moving trans.-

versely ofthe magazine'to separate and dropffl the lowei'most key.

6. In a machine of the class described; a.-

rotatin turret having a plurality of holders fus for hol ing can tops with both facesexposed,

foi; a rivet on each top, means .to preform a' rivet in the, opening, 'means tospot weld the` rivet to the top, a common means to rotate the form a rivet in the opening, means tospot nu turret and to operate allv of said means in sequence, the rivet preforming means including a magazine having an outlet chute, a forming punch movable past the opening into engagement with a key in a holder, and a counter. pressure anvil below the holder for supporting the top.

7. In a machine of the'class described, a rotating turret having a plurality of holders for holding can tops with both faces exposed, means to insert tops into the holders, means to deposit a key having an auxiliary opening for a rivet on each top, means to preform a rivet in the auxiliary opening, a spot welding machine for connecting the rivet to the top, and a common means'to rotate the turret with a step by step movement, and to operate the machine and said other means in sequence.

8. In a machine of the class described, a rotating turret having a plurality of holders for holding can tops with both faces exposed, means to insert tops into the holders, means to deposit a key having an auxiliary opening for a rivet on each top, means to preform a rivet in the auxiliaryopening, a spotwelding machine for connecting the rivet to the top, a lever for operating the spot welding machine, fluid under pressure controlled y means to operate the lever, a valve controlling said means, and a common means to rotate the turret, to operate the top msertmg means,

" the key depositing means, the rivet preformlng means, and the controlling valve for the spot welding machine in sequence. v

9. In a machine of the class described, including aturret and means' for moving the turret intermittently with a. step by step movement, a plurality of holders for can tops, in connection with the turret, each holder having a circular opening for receiving the can top and an inwardly extending ledge on which the top rests, means operated by the the tops.

movin with the turret for clampingthe top moving means for the turret for feeding can tops 1n succession to the holders, and means in the older.

10. In a machine Aof the class described, including a turret and means for moving the turret intermittently with a step by step movement, a vplurality of holders for can tops in connection with theA turret, each holder having a circular opening for receiving the can top and an inwardly extending ledge on which the top rests, means o erated by the moving means for the turret or feeding can tops in succession to the holders, a. leaf hav-v ing an opening corresponding to the shape of a key hinged at each holder, and means o erated 'by the movement of the turret for swinging the leaves down upon the tops in the holders and for moving the leaves to release 11. In a machine of the class described, mechanism for .holding can. to s with both faces exposed, including a hol er having an Aopening to fit thetopand an inwardly extending ledge to support the top in the opening, and a leaf hinged t0 the holder toswing down upon the same to clamp the top in the v hold r, said leaf having a key shapedy opening t receive a key and position it with respect to the top.

12. In a machine of the class described,

mechanism for holding can tops with both I faces exposed, including a holder having an opening to fit the top and an inwardly extending ledge to support the top in the opening, and a leaf hinged to the holder to swing down upon the same to clamp the top in the holder, said leaf having a keyshaped openlng to receive a key and position it with respect to the top, transporting means to which mechanisms in connection with the conveyor for holding a can top and arranged to expose both faces of the top at the center thereof and means to deposit a key on the top, sai meansincludng a magazine above the turret, a pair ofblades rigidly connected at their remote ends and lapping at their adjacent free ends oneabove the other the, thickness ofa key, and means for movingthe blades transversely of the bottom of the magazine to deliver the keys in succession.

14. In a machine of the class described :in-

cluding an intermittently moving conveyor,

. the ,holder is connected, and means yoperated a plurality of mechanisms in connection. with the conveyor for holding can tops, each rof Vsaid mechanisms including a holder having acircular opening into which the can top lits and provided with a ledge extending into the opening upon `which the top rests, and a clamping leaf hinged toeach holder to close thereon, each leaf havingan opening .for receiving a key to position the key on the can top, and means operated by the movement of the turret l,for moving the leaf into Aoperative and inoperative position.

15. In a machine of the class described-including an intermittently moving conveyor,

a plurality of mechanisms in connectionvvithv theconveyorfor .holding can tops, each of said mechanisms open to expose both faces of the can' top, the upper opening shaped to receive a key` and to position. it with `respect to the top, means for feeding a solder shot onto each key and for forming the said shot into a rivet,land means for spot Welding the rivet to the can top.

16. In a machine of the class described, means to deposit a solder shot upon an opening through a key and to simultaneously form the shot into a rivet, said means includinga counterpressure anvil, and a punch cooperating with the anvil to force t e shot into the lll key opening, and means for fusing the end of the rivet which is in the key opening, to

attach the same.

17. In a machine of the class described,

means for holding can tops, means to deposit a key having an auxiliary opening on the top, means to supply a definite quantity of fold solder to the key and to form it into a rivet in the auxiliary opening, means to -10 spot weld the rivet to the top, and means for transporting the holder past the several means with a stop at each means to enable the operation thereof.

18. `In a machine of the class described, means for holdingcan tops, means to deposit a-key having an auxiliary opening on the top,means to suppl-ya definite quantity of l cold solder to the key and to form it into a f rivet inthe auxiliary opening, means to spot 2b weld the rivet to the "top, means for trans?` porting the holder past the several means with a -stopat each means to enable the operation thereof, and means in connection with the holding means for positioning the ke 25 with respect to the can top.

19. In'a machine of the class described, an intermittently rotating turret having can top receiving holders, means for depositing can tops in said holders, meansfor feeding a key 3b and accurately positioning the same upon a top, means for -depositing a fusible material upon a key so positioned and means for fusing said material to secure said key to said top.

' 35 20.- 'In a machine ofthe class described,

means for Adepositing a metal piece in an opening of akey, andl means for forming said `piece into a rivet-having a part-extending inwardly of said key and an enlarged "part 49 extending. outwardly of said key and means for fusing the part of the rivet which extends inwardly, to attach the same.

- 21. In a machine of the class described, a magazine for holding keys in superposed 4 5 relation, saidl magazine having an open bot.-

tom, and means to fsupport'the keys and to drop single keys in succession throu h said bottom, andupwardly and downwar y movable leaves arranged to rest -near the can to -50 to receive keys from saidmagazne, sai

leaves being movable upwardly away from the key'to expose the same. -22. Inma machinefof the class described, amagazine for` holding keys in superposed re-f.

5 lation, said magazine having an open bottom, and means to support the keys and to drop single keys in succession through said bottom, and upwardly and downwardly swingable and hinged leaves arranged to rest near 9 the cantop to receive keys from said magazine. said-leaves being movable upwardly away from the key to expose the same. Signed at Baltimore in the State of Mary land this 6th day of August, A. D., 1928.

'.5 HENRY HERMANI.

iii 

